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By the Light of the Silvery Moon

This is the year that I’m actually going to pay attention to the moon phases when I sow seeds for my vegetables. (Yes, Dr. Hortfreud, I know I say that every year, but I mean it this time.)

The basic idea of planting according to the moon phases is to plant above ground crops on those days between the new moon and the full moon. Then plant below ground crops on those days between the full moon and the new moon. This is supposed to make them grow better, overall.

The biggest adjustment will be that I won’t get to rush out to the garden on March 17th, my traditional day for planting peas and all other early spring vegetables, and just plant everything all at once on the same day.

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac for 2010, I should plant the onions and radishes and other root crops between the full moon and the new moon. This will be between March 1 – 14 this year or after March 29th. I should then plant the peas, lettuce, and spinach sometime between the new moon and the full moon, between March 15 – 29th.

Sounds easy enough, and at least this year, I can still plant peas on March 17th.

Does planting by the phases of the moon make me more of an eccentric gardener? (Yes, I admit to being "a bit" of an eccentric gardener.) Or is everyone saying it is about time I got with the program?

Comments

This is a major principle in biodynamic winemaking, and some very serious vineyards use it, such as LaFlaive and Chapoutier, producers long known for making some of the best wine in the world. If they say it works, I believe them.

Fascinating, I've never heard that before. I find that a bit hard to believe there would be much if any effect, just like I don't believe that the date of my birth determines my personality or fate. (Although it doesn't stop me from proudly proclaiming myself a "fire horse" according to the Chinese zodiac, since I found "we" are characterized as "notoriously headstrong". Ha ha, I'm not sure it's really me, but I like to think of myself that way.)

It just makes sense, doesn't it? When you think of how powerful the force of the moon is. Lucky for you, as you adjust your seed sowing schedule, pea planting time stays in place...at least for this year.

I read an article in an English gardening magazine while I was visiting my daughter. They did a season-long study, planting crops side by side in rows (same soil, same care, etc. etc.) Half were seeded whenever the soil was workable, half were seeded (using identical number of same seeds) by the correct moon phase. Logs were kept of germination, growth, and pounds of harvest. I can't remember the details, but I do remember it seemed to make a big difference in some crops (especially the root crops) but little or no difference in others (such as lettuce). I wish I could remember the magazine, but I'm getting old. It was very interesting though, and on the plane home, I wished I'd taken notes. Herbal blessings, Carolee

I don't think this makes you eccentric at all, Carol. I live by the ocean and know exactly what the moon does to the tides, so of course it will affect other things (including us humans.) I'll enjoy seeing what your observations are, as you're always so good at tracking things.

My grandfather always planted vegetables according to the phases of the moon, and he certainly wasn't eccentric, Carol. Of course, he also said you should plant potatoes on Good Friday, which I always wondered about since that date varies from year to year.